Period FAQs

why does period blood stink

by Annamae Hudson II Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rotten” smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.

Full Answer

Why does my period's blood smell like rotten animal?

When it smells it's an infection, when your blood is still red but smells like rotten steak or rotting flesh & otherwise your cycle is normal, it's an infection, even if it's a low level infection of the uteran lining. If your blood burns as it flows out, it may be from an infection.

Why does period blood smell like rotten eggs?

Why does my discharge smell like rotten egg? The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rottensmell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.

Why does my period blood have funny and strong smell?

You have your period. You’ve probably found that your vaginal odor smells a little more intense when you’re bleeding, and that’s normal, Dr. Shepherd says. Blood has an elevated pH, and that can throw your vaginal flora off a little during your period. Usually it’s not a huge change in scent, and it goes away once your period wraps up, she says.

Why am I spotting blood between periods?

What causes spotting before periods?

  1. Birth control. Hormonal birth control pills, patches, injections, rings, and implants can all cause spotting between periods.
  2. Ovulation. Ovulation spotting is light bleeding that occurs around the time in your menstrual cycle when your ovary releases an egg.
  3. Implantation bleeding. ...
  4. Pregnancy. ...
  5. Perimenopause. ...
  6. Trauma. ...
  7. Uterine or cervical polyps. ...

More items...

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Why does my period blood smell metallic?

Period blood may smell metallic due to the presence of blood and iron.

How to get rid of blood smell during period?

Additionally, during menstruation, they should change a pad every time they go to the restroom and change a tampon every few hours.

Why does my period smell fishy?

This smell is often related to an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.

What is the process of apocrine sweat?

Apocrine sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin to produce body odor. The glands release this type of sweat during periods of stress or anxiety. It is different from the sweat lost during exercise, or when the body has a high temperature.

What to do if you have a fever during your period?

A person should speak to a doctor if they experience a fever or severe pelvic pain during their period.

Does period blood smell?

Period blood can have different odors based on numerous factors. The following are common menstrual blood odors:

Do you have a period while pregnant?

People do not have a period during pregnancy, but should still be aware of vaginal health.

What does it smell like during your period?

Any odors you might notice during your period can also fluctuate. “Healthy” periods can have a slight smell of blood. They may even have a slight metallic smell from iron and bacteria.

What to do if your period smells?

If your period smells and you notice unusual symptoms , see your doctor. There could be something else going on.

What does it mean when you smell fishy?

You may have bacterial vaginosis if the “fishy” smell is accompanied by:

Why does my poop smell like it's down there?

A strong odor from “down there” may be cause for worry, as it could be a sign of an infection. In such cases, the odors are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or pelvic pain that’s not related to normal menstruation.

Why does my tampon smell rotten?

A “rotten” smell can occur when a tampon is left in for too long or forgotten. This can happen at the end of a period, when you don’t have to insert a new tampon as often and you have no further bleeding.

Why do women have vaginosis?

While the exact cause of this overgrowth isn’t understood, bacterial vaginosis seems to be most common in women who are sexually active. Douching may also increase your risk for this type of infection.

How to stop menstrual odor?

Proper hygiene habits can help combat the usual odors associated with menstruation. This can be as simple as making sure you change tampons, liners, or pads every few hours.

Why does my period smell like copper?

When your periods smell like a copper coin then it is owing to the iron content in the blood and is not a matter of concern.

Is period blood smell bad?

You’re pretty sure that period blood smell is harmless, but you’re still dying to know what’s up with it.

Can you use deodorizing wipes on your vagina?

Also avoid using deodorizing products, such as wipes and sprays, don’t douche either , as the process can get rid of healthy vaginal bacteria causing infection, and wear breathable underwear.

Why Does Period Blood Smell?

Before going any further, you need to know that fresh blood always has a smell, but it usually smells as a slight tinge of rusted iron. It should not be foul smelling though. Now coming back to why period blood smells, it usually happens when period blood gets trapped in a sanitary pad for extended hours – it may stay there for 6 hours or more overnight. The blood becomes stagnant and gives enough time to pathogens to grow in it. The foul odor you notice when you change your sanitary pad after several hours is actually the smell of the dying red blood cells that nourish the growth of bacteria.

Why does my hair smell so bad during my period?

You may have to deal with an overpowering menstrual smell due to your thick pubic hair. Sweat and blood stick to the hair and cause serious smell. Trim your pubic hair short to avoid dealing with this issue.

Why does my vagina smell so strong?

You should also seek medical attention if you notice the odor become stronger than before because it may indicate a sexually transmitted infection.

Why does my sanitary pad smell bad after changing?

The foul odor you notice when you change your sanitary pad after several hours is actually the smell of the dying red blood cells that nourish the growth of bacteria.

Does your period smell?

You ought to notice some odor when you have your period, but this may change throughout your cycle. Vaginal odor may become quite strong and apparent during one cycle, and there may be no odor whatsoever during another. The question is, should you worry about strong vaginal odor suddenly?

Can tampons cause bad bacteria?

While it may seem to be the solution to foul-smelling menstrual blood, this is not. In fact, scented tampons and pads can affect the normal pH balance of the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of odor-causing bad bacteria. Only use soft cotton pads during your period.

In This Article

Popular vagina myth-busting ob-gyn Dr. Jen Gunter has an amazing saying: "It's a vagina, not a piña colada!" The point being, your vagina doesn't need to smell or taste fruity — or really, like anything else besides a vagina.

1. Metallic or Like Iron

"The period itself is basically endometrial tissue that's built up over the course of the month. If an egg is not fertilized and implanted, that lining is released," Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn with NYU Langone, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

2. Fishy

"As blood exits the vagina, especially if there's a lot of bleeding, it can change the pH of the vagina," Dr. Shirazian explains. When the normal bacterial balance of the vagina is thrown off, you may develop bacterial vaginosis, or BV. This can result in a fishy smell.

3. Sweet

Some vaginal bacteria can naturally have a sweet smell, according to Women's Medical Associates of Nashville. This is nothing to worry about.

What to Do About Period Odor

What you want to avoid is using any sort of fragranced feminine wipe designed to freshen things up down below. "The problem with these is that they just cover up the odor. The first step is always figuring out the underlying source and treating that," Dr. Shirazian says.

When to See a Doctor About Period Odor

A rotten or foul odor from your nether region warrants a trip to the ob-gyn, Dr. Shirazian says.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. If you think you may have COVID-19, use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker .

Why does my period blood smell?

Why does period blood smell sweaty? Due to the apocrine sweat glands, located near your vagina. The sweat produced by these glands is secreted during times of anxiety or stress.

Why does my period smell metallic?

You may notice your period blood smell to be slightly metallic in some months. This happens where there’s considerable iron content in the menstrual discharge. The color of the blood usually appears darker in such cases.

Why does my vagina smell?

Vaginal odor is directly related to hygiene. If it’s not kept clean, the smell wouldn’t be pleasant and such a situation could also lead to infections. Cleaning the intimate parts of your body is as important as the other areas and probably more.

How long does it take for a period to stop smelling blood?

Ideally, period blood smell should be reduced within a week or two of its advent. However, if the smell persists even after the duration of menstruation and is followed by signs like stomach ache or cramps, fever, etc, you should consult the doctor immediately.

Does drinking water help with period blood?

It’s no myth that water and other healthy fluids flush out all the toxins from the body. Drinking water doesn’t just keep our body fresh and healthy, but it also puts a check on the intensity of the period blood smell.

Why does my period blood smell fishy?

It’s a type of infection that gets treated with antibiotics. The bacteria gets mixed with blood, and due to its reaction with the iron content, it creates a funky smell.”

What does it mean when your period blood smells like rotten meat?

If your period blood smells like a rotten meat loaf, then it means that it’s time to change your sanitary pad or tampon.

Why does my period smell sweet?

If your period blood smells a little on the sweeter side, don’t get hassled because it is completely normal. This happens when the pH level of your vagina shifts more towards the acidic side.

Why does my vagina smell like onion?

“If your period blood has an onion-like smell, then it is an indication that your hygiene practices during the menstrual cycle are compromised.

Is period blood real?

Period blood odour is a real thing, ladies. Whatever your period blood smells like, it always reveals something about your overall health and well-being. Read on to know more. Your period blood is the window to your health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.

Does blood smell like blood?

Well, blood is odorless. If you have ever experienced a finger cut, and if blood oozed out of it, then you must have observed there is no smell as such. But when it comes to your vagina, the blood down there stays for a while, and comes in contact with air and bacteria – hence, the foul smell.

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